As you open a letter from your alma mater, receive an appeal from a charitable organization, or hear about a fundraiser for your neighbor's kids' soccer team, you may ask yourself–Will my donation really make a difference?

Now, imagine if everyone who received that same request had the same hesitation. Fundraising efforts would stall, and vital programs would struggle to survive. The truth is, that philanthropy thrives on collective generosity. One person donating $100 is impactful, but 1,000 people each giving $100 raises $100,000—an amount that can transform lives. Likewise, preparing snacks for a team of 30 kids alone may feel overwhelming, but when four people contribute, the task becomes manageable. Giving is not just about individual acts—it’s about the collective power of many working together to create meaningful change.

As a proud Holderness alumna and someone who has dedicated my career to philanthropy, I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of generosity create lasting impact. Giving—whether through time, talent, or treasure—strengthens communities and fosters a culture of support that benefits everyone. When we give together, we truly make a difference.

The Benefits of Giving

Beyond the tangible impact on the causes you support, giving also brings personal rewards:

Inspires Others

Leading by example encourages generosity in those around you. Children who observe charitable behavior from their parents are more likely to develop a giving mindset themselves.

Increases Gratitude

Engaging in philanthropy fosters a greater appreciation for what you have.

Boosts Happiness

Research by Professors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton found that how people spent money affected them more than how much they spent. In their book Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending, they detail how people who spent even $5 on someone else reported greater happiness than those who spent more on themselves.

Becomes a Habit

The more you give, the more natural it feels, making generosity a core part of your life.

Offers Financial Benefits

Charitable contributions may qualify for tax deductions, now or in the future; consult a tax professional to explore potential advantages.

Other Ways to Contribute

Every dollar, every act of kindness, and every moment spent volunteering contributes to a larger mission. If a financial contribution isn’t feasible, there are countless ways to give back—sharing your time, knowledge, and expertise with an institution can be just as valuable.

So, the next time you receive a request for support, consider the collective impact of generosity. When we give together, we create real and lasting change. Your gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference.

About Jennifer Crane

Jennifer Crane ’01 joins Holderness as the Senior Director of Advancement for Engagement and Operations. With extensive experience in development and a passion for education and community building, Jennifer has a proven track record of fostering meaningful relationships and driving institutional growth.

Jennifer earned her BA from Bowdoin College, where she also launched her fundraising career, taking on roles in annual giving, gift planning, and reunion giving. She later served as Director of Advancement at the University of Maine School of Law and as Development Director for the Mayhew Program. Jennifer holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time outdoors running and hiking with her dog, Mack, swimming in Newfound Lake, reading a good book, and cooking for family and friends.